15448, Jacobs Creek, Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 15448, Jacobs Creek, Pennsylvania is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 15448 has some form of health insurance. 48.95 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 61.05 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase. Military veterans should know that percent of the residents in the ZIP Code of 15448 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 56 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15448. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 24 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,201 health care providers accessible to residents in 15448, Jacobs Creek, Pennsylvania.

**Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Jacobs Creek, PA (ZIP Code 15448)**

This analysis provides a preliminary assessment of breast cancer care accessibility and quality within the Jacobs Creek, PA (ZIP Code 15448) area, focusing on physician availability, primary care resources, telemedicine integration, and mental health support. The goal is to establish a "Breast Cancer Score" based on readily available public data, identifying strengths and weaknesses in the local healthcare landscape. It's important to remember that this is a snapshot assessment and should not be considered a definitive guide for medical decisions.

The foundation of any effective breast cancer care pathway is access to primary care physicians (PCPs). In the Jacobs Creek area, determining the precise physician-to-patient ratio is challenging without detailed, proprietary data. However, publicly available resources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau can provide a starting point. By comparing the estimated population of ZIP code 15448 with the number of actively practicing PCPs in the vicinity, a rough estimate of patient load per physician can be calculated. A higher patient-to-physician ratio may indicate potential challenges in accessing timely appointments and preventative screenings, crucial for early breast cancer detection.

Primary care availability is directly linked to the overall "Breast Cancer Score." A robust primary care infrastructure facilitates early detection through routine screenings, patient education, and referrals to specialists. The presence of primary care practices accepting new patients and offering extended hours, including evenings and weekends, would positively influence the score. Conversely, limited access, long wait times, and a lack of after-hours care would negatively impact the assessment. The presence of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or other community health clinics, which often serve vulnerable populations, would be a significant positive factor.

Identifying standout practices within the Jacobs Creek area requires an evaluation of several factors. These include the availability of on-site mammography services, the use of electronic health records (EHRs) for efficient communication and care coordination, and the provision of patient education materials. Practices actively participating in quality improvement initiatives, such as those recommended by the American Cancer Society or the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), would demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based care and contribute to a higher score. The presence of multilingual staff or translation services to cater to diverse patient populations would also be a valuable asset.

The adoption of telemedicine is increasingly important in healthcare delivery, particularly for patients in rural or underserved areas. Telemedicine can facilitate remote consultations, follow-up appointments, and access to specialists who may not be readily available locally. The "Breast Cancer Score" will consider the availability of telemedicine options for breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Practices offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals would receive a higher score. The ability to access specialists, such as oncologists and surgeons, via telemedicine, can significantly improve patient outcomes.

Mental health support is a critical component of comprehensive breast cancer care. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can have profound psychological effects on patients, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress. The "Breast Cancer Score" will evaluate the availability of mental health resources within the Jacobs Creek area. This includes the presence of licensed therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists specializing in oncology or cancer-related mental health. The availability of support groups, both in-person and online, and the integration of mental health services into primary care practices would be considered positive factors. Access to financial assistance programs for mental health services would also be assessed.

Further analysis of the Jacobs Creek area would involve evaluating the proximity of specialized breast cancer care centers, such as those accredited by the American College of Surgeons (ACoS). The availability of comprehensive breast cancer treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy, would be a significant factor in the score. The presence of clinical trials and research opportunities would also be considered. The ability of patients to access these services within a reasonable travel distance is crucial.

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Jacobs Creek (ZIP Code 15448) is ultimately a composite measure reflecting the availability, accessibility, and quality of breast cancer care resources. It is designed to be a dynamic measure, reflecting changes in the healthcare landscape over time. The score would be influenced by factors such as physician availability, primary care access, telemedicine adoption, and mental health support. It is essential to acknowledge the limitations of this preliminary assessment. A comprehensive evaluation would require access to more detailed data, including patient satisfaction surveys, clinical outcomes data, and information on insurance coverage.

The final "Breast Cancer Score" would be presented as a numerical value, along with a descriptive summary of the findings. This summary would highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system and provide recommendations for improvement. This type of analysis can be used to help patients make informed decisions about their healthcare and to identify areas where resources are needed. It can also be used by healthcare providers to improve the quality of care they provide.

In conclusion, this preliminary assessment of breast cancer care in Jacobs Creek (ZIP Code 15448) highlights the importance of access to primary care, the integration of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. While this analysis provides a starting point, a more detailed investigation is needed to fully understand the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Jacobs Creek and surrounding areas, including the locations of physicians, hospitals, and support services, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a dynamic and informative view of the data discussed in this analysis.